Title :
The U.S. transition from muscle extension to brain expansion
Author :
Noble, Daniel E.
Author_Institution :
Motorola, Inc., Phoenix, AZ
Abstract :
To develop perspective for the discussion of root-force influences shaping our culture today, a short oversimplified time-structuring review of important science and engineering developments is related to the 75-year life-spans of three individuals standing lifetime to lifetime. During the past 75 years the rising complexity and the profligate use of materials and fossil fuels have brought us to the end of our exponential growth journey. Rising chaos will characterize our socioeconomic systems until we evolve the essential brain-extension modeling means for developing adequate system understanding. We can expect to intervene intelligently only after we succeed in identifying leverage points in the system, and improve the quality of decision-making to guide the intervention and control processes. Free enterprise must be modified to permit the selection of priorities and goals. We have a choice ... either we make me of extended-brain-power and modeling techniques or we descend into a perpetual state of chaos.
Keywords :
Bridges; Cultural differences; Electric motors; History; Humans; Induction generators; Muscles; Steam engines; Switches; Time measurement;
Journal_Title :
Proceedings of the IEEE
DOI :
10.1109/PROC.1976.10336